Endless Sawmill Shutdowns Pose Massive Threat to B.C. Forestry Sector Growth

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The ongoing mill shutdowns have become a serious concern. The government has sought urgent action to prevent more sawmill shutdowns in the B.C. Interior. The focus lies on maximizing the value of timber and helping communities and workers affected by the closures.

Six wood manufacturing facilities have announced either a mill or shift closure during the past seven months. The latest in the series was Norbord, Inc., which recently announced its plans to indefinitely suspend operations at its oriented strand board (OSB) mill in 100 Mile House in B.C. central interior effective August this year. Acute wood supply shortage, high wood prices, beetle epidemic and wildfires were cited as the reasons.

Dough Donaldson, B.C. Forests Minister announced that the government will focus on long-term measures aimed at getting more value out of the timber supply. At the same time, it will provide all possible assistance to communities and workers impacted by the closures. He thwarted the idea of reducing Crown timber harvesting fees, stating that it would not be of any use, as prices are mainly set based on market forces.

According to Donaldson, the government intends to implement policy actions that would help small wood manufacturing facilities improve their access to wood fibre. The government also plans to boost investment in local community projects. Showcasing wood in public buildings is another key area of focus, he added.